Business News

Current apprentices and local training providers including Hounslow Council, Heathrow Academy, University of West London, Redwood Skills, Notting Hill Housing, MIT and the London Hairdressing Academy will be on-hand to offer advice and support with applications, CV writing and vacancy searches.

Careers coaches and apprentices will also be offering practical advice, support and guidance in Bell Square on Monday 6 March between 12 noon and 4.30 pm and again at Asda carpark in Feltham on Wednesday 8 March between 12 noon and 4.30 pm.

The Council has recruited 168 apprentices into their award-winning programme over the last 10 years, with the apprentices representing people from different backgrounds across the borough.

One of the Council’s former apprentices is Saadiq Cornelius, 21, of Hounslow who believes his apprenticeship has changed the course of his life.

He said: “Like most 19 year-olds I wasn’t sure where I was going in life, plus I had just dropped out of a degree course in electronic engineering. I applied for an apprenticeship with Hounslow Council in events management and audio visual back in October 2015.

“I can honestly say that apprenticeship changed my life. I learnt, studied and got paid for a job I really enjoyed. I was offered a job at the end of the apprenticeship and six months ago I got a promotion to become the Senior Digital Communications Officer for the Council.

“I love my job and I am very proud of it. I deal with all the social media on the Council’s Twitter and Facebook pages as well as working on the Council’s new website. My job is really about keeping the community in which I live informed; that means a lot to me.”

Councillor Richard Foote, Cabinet Member for Communities, Hounslow Council, said: “The events we are running during National Apprenticeship Week offer a chance for people across the borough to find out what an apprenticeship is all about, whether it is something for them and to get help, advice and hopefully a long and enjoyable career because of it.”